You don’t have to leave the state to take a vacation. Louisiana is full of beautiful and exciting locations just waiting to be explored. These are just a few of the best places for either a day trip or a weekend getaway.
1. Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge has a lot to offer if you're looking to explore the city. Take a stroll through LSU's campus and admire how beautiful this campus really is. Get lost in the enchanted forest, tailgate on the parade grounds, and then catch a football game in Tiger Stadium.
2. Avery Island
Home of Tabasco, this place will add some spice to your life. Take a tour to see how this spicy sauce is made, and be sure to check out the Country Store on your way out.
3. Blue Bayou Water Park
Louisiana gets hot in the summer, yes. What better way to cool down than with a day trip to Blue Bayou Water Park. With over 20 attractions, a wave pool, and a lazy river, there's something for everyone.
4. The French Quarter
Every street in this historic neighborhood offers something to do. Restaurants, art galleries, boutique shopping and music venues all offer something unique. And of course, there's the occasional bar or two.
5. Grand Isle
Located at the southern tip of the state, Grand Isle is the perfect spot for those looking to cast-away their weekend. Known for its world-class fishing and bird habitat, Grand Isle is the perfect spot if you want to get outdoors. With more than 280 species of fish, Grand Isle is every angler's oasis.
6. Jean Lafitte Swamp & Airboat Tour
Journey through the heart of Louisiana's swamplands in the protected Jean Lafitte National Park. Snakes, nutria, egrets, turtles and of course alligators all call this area their home so be sure to bring your camera for this adventure.
7. Kisatchie National Forest
Whether you're looking to hike, bike, fish, or camp, Kisatchie National Forest has got you covered. The state's only national forest has over 100 miles of trails for all of your outdoor activities, and there's also a number of water trails for you to rent a canoe or kayak and explore the forest from an entirely new perspective.
8. Natchitoches
Aside from being the filming location for "Steel Magnolias", Natchitoches is also well known for its Christmas Festival. Beginning the Saturday before Thanksgiving and ending on January 6th, over 300,000 lights and 100+ set pieces light up the Cane River Lake and downtown area. The town is fun for the whole family year round with carriage tours, local boutiques and art galleries, and amazing restaurants.
9. The Gardens of the American Rose Society
118-acres of beautiful rose gardens make this the nation's largest park dedicated to roses. Featuring more than 65 individual rose gardens and 20,000 rosebushes, this is truly the best spot to stop and smell the roses. The official garden season is April through October, and the peak rose blooming season is mid-April to late-May
10. Oak Alley
Given its name by the canopy of 300 year old oak trees that line its entrance, Oak Alley will leave you speechless. Your guided tour will reveal the history of the home through fascinating stories that will give you a taste of what Antebellum South was like. Stay in one of the on-site cottages for a truly historical weekend getaway.
Did any of your favorite spot make the list? Let us know in the comments below.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.